Governance
“School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school.” – National Governor’s association
At Saint Barnabas CofE Primary is governed by an Interim Executive Board (IEB). The IEB works closely with the headteacher, staff, and the local authority. Their main focus is to ensure that the children are receiving a high-quality education and that leaders are supported when making strategic decisions to ensure the progress of the school. The IEB is here to support the school community and will support the staff within the school to ensure that all children unlock their potential in line with our school Vision.
Strategic planning and management
One of the most important roles of the governing body is to support and guide the long-term vision and direction the school. This means working closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to agree on the school’s aims, priorities and next steps and to create a clear plan for how these will be achieved.
Governors are not involved in the day-to-day running of the school, but they do play a key part in strategic planning—helping to shape decisions about things like curriculum development, school improvement targets, financial priorities, staffing structures, and use of resources. They help ensure that the school’s plans are ambitious, achievable, and focused on improving outcomes for all pupils.
By taking a strategic view, the governing body helps the school stay on track, make the best use of its funding, and respond effectively to challenges and opportunities.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The governing body plays an important role in monitoring and evaluating how well the school is performing. This means regularly checking that the school is meeting its goals and delivering high standards in areas like teaching, learning, behaviour, and pupil progress.
Governors do this by reviewing data and reports, visiting the school, meeting with staff, and asking questions to understand what’s working well and where improvements may be needed. They also help evaluate how effectively school policies are being put into practice and whether key priorities are being met.
Through this ongoing process of monitoring and evaluation, the governing body ensures that the school continues to improve and that all pupils are given the best possible opportunities to succeed.
Accountability
The governing body plays a vital role in making sure the school is well run and delivering the best possible education for all pupils. One of its key responsibilities is holding the Headteacher and senior leadership team to account for the school’s performance. This means asking the right questions, reviewing progress against agreed targets, and ensuring that decisions are always made in the best interests of the children.
By working in partnership with school leaders—while also offering independent oversight—the governing body helps ensure that high standards are maintained in teaching, behaviour, pupil achievement, and use of resources. This accountability helps build trust with parents, the local community, and other stakeholders, showing that the school is focused on continuous improvement and transparency.
Our Governors
Rachel Stevenson (Chair)
Emma Smithen
Ian Robinson
Caroline Kupfers
Caroline Fielder Shattell